Harry Congreve Evans facts for kids

Harry Congreve Evans (born December 10, 1860 – died January 9, 1899) was an important journalist, editor, and newspaper owner in South Australia. He was known for his writing skills and for starting his own popular newspaper.

Early Life and Family

Harry Congreve Evans was born in Nuriootpa, South Australia. His father was Reverend Ephraim Evans, a Baptist minister from Wales. His mother was Matilda Jane Congreve, who was also a writer. She used the pen name Maud(e) Jean(ne) Franc.

Harry had an older half-sister, Mary Ann, and a half-brother, Ephraim Ebenezer, from his father's first marriage. He also had a younger brother named William James, or "Will." Their father died when Harry was very young.

After her husband passed away, Harry's mother, Matilda, opened a boarding school for girls. This helped her support her four children. Harry and Will later attended North Adelaide Grammar School.

Harry's uncle, Henry John Congreve, was also a writer. He worked for local newspapers like the Gawler Standard and the Bunyip.

Career in Journalism

After finishing school, Harry Evans started working at The Advertiser newspaper when he was just 16. He was very good at taking notes quickly (stenography) and writing clearly by hand. His energy and good mood made him a leader among the writers.

In 1888, Harry traveled to the Northern Territory with Frank Johnson, who was the Minister of Education. He wrote a series of interesting articles about his trip for The Advertiser.

Harry wanted to write more freely and share his own ideas. So, he decided to start his own newspaper.

Founding Quiz

Harry teamed up with some friends, including A. T. Chandler and James Hutchison. Together, they started a weekly newspaper called Quiz. It was a funny and satirical publication, meaning it used humor to comment on current events and people.

Quiz was very popular with the public. In 1890, it became even bigger when it joined with another newspaper, becoming Quiz and The Lantern. Harry continued to be the main editor of the paper.

Other Works

Besides his newspaper work, Harry Evans also wrote stories for musical shows. He wrote the words (libretto) for two operas: Immomeena and The Mandarin. Immomeena had music by Moritz Heuzenroeder, and The Mandarin was composed by John M. Dunn. Both shows were performed at the Theatre Royal in Adelaide.

Harry Congreve Evans died in 1899, when he was only 38 years old. He was buried at West Terrace Cemetery.

Family Life

Harry Congreve Evans never married. He lived with his mother until she passed away. After that, he and his brother Will lived with a family named Roberts. Mrs. Roberts was like a second mother to them.

Harry's Brother, Will Evans

William James "Will" Evans (1862–1904) was Harry's younger brother. He was also a journalist and writer. Will worked as a theater and music critic for The Advertiser. He also wrote regular columns for other newspapers like The Express and The Chronicle. Will also wrote a book of poems called Rhymes without Reason.